The principal of St Teresa’s Primary School on Belfast's Glen Road sent parents a letter on Monday about an incident involving a pupil targeted by an online predator. The adult posed as a peer on Snapchat to groom the child, requesting personal details and inappropriate images.

Terry Rodgers, the school principal, called on parents to inspect their children's devices and delete apps like Snapchat. He noted that some pupils as young as six hold accounts on platforms requiring users to be at least 13 years old.

Rodgers highlighted risks from Snapchat's disappearing messages, which enable hidden interactions. He reported an increase in primary school children using social media sites unsuitable for their age.

The principal recommended barring children from all social media and providing only basic phones without internet access during primary years. He suggested supervising any use of platforms like Roblox, which features user-generated games.

Rodgers linked early social media exposure to issues such as anxiety and fatigue. He advocated restricting access until age 16 to protect safety.

Police in Northern Ireland received a request for comment on the matter.